Book Building - Photos
Book Tower and Book Building
The Book Tower Rotunda and Lobby area in May 2023
Looking up at the top of the newly renovated Book Tower - built in the model of Beaux-Arts Classicism, which imitates Roman and Greek architecture, the tower stands 38 stories tall and at 475 feet high it was briefly the tallest building in Detroit until the construction of the Penobscot building in 1928.
Book Building main entrance on Washington Blvd.
The Book Tower as seen from Griswold & Grand River Ave. in March 2023
The Rotunda as seen from the main entrance on Washington Blvd.
The Book Tower partially lit up on an early morning. Portions of the Rosa Parks Transit Center's Custom skyshade can be seen in the foreground. The architect had neglected to build a fire evacuation route and had to add the outside one, which may well be the longest outdoor fire escape in the world.
Looking up the Rotunda from the first floor
Old buildings are witnesses to the aesthetic and cultural history of a city. The level of detail spent during renovation of the Book is absolutely fascinating.
The Book Building's caryatids were removed and replaced with fiberglass exact replicas. Over the years, the steel frames inside the figures rusted and damaged the sculptures from within - too far gone to be repaired.
A view at the Book Tower study
The Book Tower Lobby Bar
Stairway from first to second floor
A slightly different angle at the Rotunda
The residences at Book Tower
Looking up at the breathtaking skylight.
Beautifully restored corridors on the 4th floor
Another look at the renovated North and West facades with the thirteenth story "belt" of nude figures.
This might evolve into the most photographed clock in the city :-) The original and ornate plaster clock dubbed the “Cherub Clock” sits just inside the front doors. The clock was apparently hidden for years during previous ownership of the building – for fear of it being stolen. Thankfully it was returned to Bedrock upon the purchase of the building.
A detailed view at the beautiful north facade facing Grand River Ave.
Grand view of the Tower
The Book Building's main entrance in Mar 2023
Some more Rotunda detail
50,000 square feet of marble were re-installed during the renovation.
Holding up the building’s cornice are twelve nude women or “caryatids,” the name for a sculpted female figure that serves as an architectural support.
Another look at the intricate, over-the-top details on the crown of the Book Tower.
The Book tower north facade during a beautiful sunrise in Apr 2023
A look at the entertaining suite
The Book Tower during sunset in August 2020. Image taken from a distant vantage point
Before/After prints will be on display for a while
Another view at the Study: a 3,000 square feet co-working space for residents and hotel guests, with views of Washington Boulevard and The Rotunda.
More than 7,000 square feet of ornate ceiling tiles were recreated and hand painted to match the original designs and color of the structure.
Side entrance on Grand River Ave. After sitting vacant for more than a decade, the architecturally renowned Book Tower is making a comeback in Spring 2023 thanks to a $300M renovation.
The Book Tower as seen in early May 2023
The keystone bust over the Washington Blvd. entrance
A close up view at the skylight
Staircase railing detail shot
The Cherub Clock seen in the lobby has been fully restored and is the original master clock from the building. Every office and shop was equipped with a clock, all of which were regulated by the master clock.
Ceiling tiles detail shot
Front door chandelier
The Rotunda: a marble arched atrium that greets guests with seating beneath the breathtaking skylight.
A look inside the "Residents Lobby"
View toward the Rotunda from Grand River Ave. entrance
View from Grand River Ave entrance
First floor main elevator area
Incredible ceiling detail
The Farwell building and the Book Tower - two historic Detroit restorations in the early 2020s.
Book Tower reflections on Aug 19, 2023